A GROUP of students from Churchill Community College in Howdon, have kick-started a new project to help support local primary school children with their reading.

As part of the Reading Role Model programme run by national literacy charity Beanstalk, the 13 students aged 16 to 18, trained by Beanstalk, are each working with two pupils in a local primary school who are falling behind with their reading.

The students spend 30 minutes of one-to-one support with each child once a week for two terms and read with them, talk about their interests and play games.

By providing this regular support and encouragement they will set themselves on the path to a successful future while helping children become more confident and able readers. They will demonstrate their personal skills, ability to help others and enthusiasm for volunteering – all great when applying for university or a job.

Janet Skeen, area manager for Beanstalk North East, said: “Unfortunately many primary school children struggle with learning to read and would benefit from the extra support our volunteers can provide. By placing more reading helpers in schools we can give these children a much greater chance of reaching their full potential. The programme is a great way for students to gain and demonstrate vital professional and personal skills while also helping Beanstalk support more children that have fallen behind with reading.

At the end of the programme all the volunteers receive reference letters and, as an approved activity partner for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, it counts towards any DofE programme students are working towards.

The students volunteer at primary schools within the Churchill Community College family of schools which comprise of Battle Hill Primary School, Denbigh Community Primary School, Hadrian Park Primary School and Stephenson Memorial Primary School.

Mark Holt, deputy headteacher at Denbigh Primary School, said: “The children are not only enjoying their reading but are developing a love for reading that will stay with them long beyond their primary education. One boy, who was previously a reluctant reader, has significantly changed his attitude towards reading and told me, 'I never really enjoyed reading until now. Reading with Beanstalk is fun – I just wish I had more sessions'."

Jennifer Bruce, assistant headteacher at Churchill Community College, said: “This has been an amazing opportunity for our sixth form students and has both inspired and enthused them. It has contributed to developing their communication and leadership skills as well as giving them the opportunity to work with and develop relationships with a range of students and staff who they wouldn’t normally. The training and support which they have received through Beanstalk has been second to none and all the students involved have thoroughly enjoyed their experience.”

For more information about Beanstalk’s initiatives, visit www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk